President Ruto bestows Prince Rahim Aga Khan V 'Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart'

His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V (right) receives the CGH award during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi. (Photo: William Ruto/X)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Prince Rahim received the CGH award on Tuesday during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi. The honour is usually reserved for sitting heads of state or extraordinary global leaders.

President William Ruto has conferred His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH) in recognition of the exemplary work of the Aga Khan Development Network in Kenya.

The award, the nation’s most prestigious civilian honour, recognises exceptional service to Kenya and humanity.

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Prince Rahim received the CGH award on Tuesday during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi. The honour is usually reserved for sitting heads of state or extraordinary global leaders.

Speaking after receiving the award, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V expressed his gratitude to President Ruto, saying, “I thank you, your excellency, for your hospitality and the honour you have conferred on me today. I accept this decoration for the recognition of the past but also as a pledge for the future, a pledge to continue working side by side with the people of Kenya in pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable, and hopeful tomorrow.”

President Ruto, while presenting the award, highlighted the enduring contributions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) across the country.

“For decades, the Aga Khan Development Network has been a trusted partner in Kenya’s development, establishing hospitals and schools that save lives and nurture talent; investing in sectors that spur growth and create jobs; and advancing initiatives that safeguard our heritage and strengthen communities,” he said.

Ruto noted that these contributions align with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), “anchored in equity, opportunity, and dignity for all Kenyans.”

The President also acknowledged the legacy of the late His Highness Aga Khan IV.

"His enduring devotion to improving the quality of life and his close partnership with Kenya since independence left an immeasurable legacy. We are confident that under your stewardship, the Imamat will not only continue this noble mission but also open new frontiers of cooperation between us,” he said.

Ruto also highlighted key areas of impact, including healthcare, where AKDN’s facilities receive over 900,000 patient visits annually, offering maternal and child health services that save countless lives.

He also praised the collaboration with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to expand access to kidney transplants and advanced cardiac surgeries, ensuring vulnerable Kenyans receive comprehensive care without facing catastrophic costs.

In education, the Aga Khan Foundation has supported nearly 1,000 public schools, benefiting hundreds of thousands of pupils and teachers. Initiatives such as Schools2030 emphasise innovation and excellence in education.

The network’s environmental work has planted 1.5 million trees in Kenya over three years, much of it in the Mau Forest, contributing to broader conservation efforts across the country.

Looking ahead, President Ruto welcomed the Imamat’s partnership in flagship initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Programme and the Nairobi River Regeneration through the Climate WorkX programme, which engages tens of thousands of Kenyans in restoring ecosystems and creating sustainable urban spaces.

“The people of Kenya hold you and the Imamat in the highest esteem. Today, we honour you not only as a leader, but also as a partner and friend. We do so with confidence that the bonds between us will grow ever stronger, driving forward a shared vision of dignity, justice, and prosperity for our people, our region, and the world,” he said.